What are the treatment options for drug allergy?

A reaction may cause a rash, itching, swelling, wheeze, vomiting, dizziness, or fainting. A clinician considers when symptoms began, the dose and route of the medicine, other medicines, and previous reactions. Some rashes or side effects are not allergies, so accurate assessment helps prevent an unsuitable allergy label.

The suspected medicine may be stopped, replaced, or continued only under medical direction. Treatment can include antihistamines for selected skin symptoms and other medicines or observation for more serious reactions. [Allergy Testing](/treatments/diagnostics-and-screening/allergy-testing/) may help clarify which medicines should be avoided, although testing is not suitable for every drug or reaction.

Contact a [GP Consultation](/treatments/consultations-and-assessment/gp-consultation/) promptly and record the medicine name, dose, timing, symptoms, and any treatment already taken. Do not restart the suspected medicine or borrow a replacement. Keep an updated allergy record and show it to every clinician, dentist, and pharmacist. Ask whether related medicines are safe before taking them.

Call emergency services for trouble breathing, throat or tongue swelling, faintness, collapse, severe wheezing, or rapidly spreading symptoms. These can indicate anaphylaxis and need immediate treatment. A mild rash can also worsen, so seek urgent advice if it spreads quickly, forms blisters, affects the mouth or eyes, or comes with fever.

Was this allergy, a side effect, or another reaction? Should I stop the medicine now? Which alternatives are safe? Do I need allergy testing? How should the reaction be recorded for future care?